Probation bond for man who caused €1,100 worth of damage to two cars

A man charged with public order and criminal damage offences has been placed on a 12-month probation bond.

Jonathan Dervin (44), of no fixed abode in Tullamore, appeared before Judge Bernaette Owens, at Athlone District Court on Wednesday, February 25, charged with three counts of public intoxication, two counts of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and two counts of criminal damage.

Mr Dervin, who is currently serving a prison sentence with a release date of March 26, previously pleaded guilty to all charges before the court.

His solicitor, Mark Cooney, outlined that a “very comprehensive” report had been furnished to the court.

Judge Owens previously heard how, on October 4, 2025, Gardaí were called to the Sheraton Hotel, where the accused was intoxicated to such an extent as might give reasonable apprehension that he might endanger himself or others.

The following day, on October 5, 2025, a Garda patrol car was flagged down at 1am at St Peter and Paul’s Church car park, where two cars had been damaged.

Mr Dervin was charged with causing €500 worth of damage to one car and €600 worth of damage to another, by making large scratches to the bonnet of one and pulling the wing mirror off the other.

Further public order charges related to October 30 when he was removed from a train at Athlone station for public intoxication and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour towards staff.

Mr Dervin was also charged with public intoxication and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour on Sean Costello Street on November 21.

He has 23 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences, and has a number of other charges for public order before Portlaoise, Mallow and Ballinasloe District Courts.

Judge Owens placed him on the 12-month probation bond on his own bond of €200 and directed he adhere to all conditions set out by the probation officer.